Early events in the interaction between foot-and mouth disease virus and primary pig kidney cells
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Abstract:
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) attached to pig kidney cells at 0 degrees C and could only be recovered in a form with a sedimentation coefficient and buoyant density lower than that of the native virus. Incubation of the virus-cell complex at 37 degrees C caused disruption of about 80% of the particles into a 12S protein sub-unit that had the same polypeptide composition as that produced by reducing the pH of the virus below pH7. The remaining 20% had the same polypeptide and RNA composition as the native virus but it had a lower sedimentation coefficient, buoyant density and specific infectivity. These lower values are probably due to the association of the virus with cell membrane components. The 12S subunits were shown to be located inside the cell, indicating that disruption of the virus had occurred within the cell. The results are discussed in relation to the different cell mediated alteration of other picornaviruses.
Insights
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) entry into pig kidney cells causes particle disruption. Most FMDV particles break down into subunits inside the cell, while some associate with cell membranes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a significant pathogen affecting swine.
- Understanding FMDV entry and uncoating mechanisms is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fate of FMDV after attachment to pig kidney cells.
- To characterize the structural changes and location of FMDV particles and subunits post-entry.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of FMDV with pig kidney cells at different temperatures (0°C and 37°C).
- Analysis of virus particle integrity, subunit composition, sedimentation coefficient, buoyant density, and infectivity.
- Determination of the intracellular location of viral components.
Main Results:
- At 0°C, FMDV attached to cells showed altered physical properties (lower sedimentation coefficient and buoyant density).
- Upon incubation at 37°C, approximately 80% of FMDV particles disrupted into 12S subunits within the cell.
- The remaining 20% of FMDV particles exhibited reduced infectivity and associated with cell membrane components.
Conclusions:
- FMDV undergoes significant structural disruption after cellular entry, primarily into 12S subunits.
- Viral uncoating appears to occur intracellularly, suggesting a cell-mediated process.
- These findings provide insights into picornavirus-cell interactions and potential targets for intervention.